Teaching
The core of my teaching philosophy is problem solving. I strive to improve my students’ mathematical and communication skills through group projects and presentations. At Siena College, I have taught Calculus, Linear Algebra, Analysis, Geometry, and Foundations of Math.
Doing Mathematics
Knowledge of mathematics is essential for scientists, engineers, and economists. Knowing mathematics and knowing why and how mathematics works are among the objectives of mathematics education, but there is an entirely different objective which is often ignored: doing mathematics. For a simple comparison, imagine that you learn about art, its history, different schools of art, and what artists do and how art is used, but you never touch a brush to paint or never produce art in any of its forms. Your art education will not be entirely in vain, but it would become richer if you experience creating art. Similarly, a complete mathematics education should contain the experience of doing mathematics.
Inquiry Based Learning
I employ Inquiry Based Learning techniques in some of the courses that I teach at Siena College, in particular in teaching Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry. The main objective of college geometry is to familiarize students with Geometry on an axiomatic level and to encourage students to take part in proving theorems and solving problems. In this IBL course, students take the center stage and not only learn Geometry but also perform Geometry.
End of Term Projects
Here are some examples of student projects in Math 360.
Presentations
I incorporate presentations in the assessment of most courses that I teach. I value presentations as important tools in improving communication skills of my students.